Rabbits' burrowing not enough to skin Roosters

The Roosters led 14-0 at halftime, goalkicking costing them dearly as Craig Fitzgibbon kicked just one goal from three attempts. They went on with things after the break, quick tries to Sam Perrett and Braith Anasta putting them 22-0 up and the floodgates looked ready to open - but the Rabbitohs weren't as willing.

Dominating possession, the Rabbitohs fought back with two quick tries and trailed by 12 with twenty remaining. The points kept flowing from the 70-minute mark, two more tries suddenly bringing them within two points in the final moments.

The Rabbits will be rueing missed opportunity close to fulltime as they worked the ball off their own line - a long kick coming within centimetres of the Roosters' 20 metre line, which would've earned them an attacking scrum-feed.

The Rabbitohs don't move on the ladder however the Roosters do secure a top four position with the victory. It won't please many fans though - giving up twenty points late in the game is something that won't rub in finals footy and it could cost them.

Next week's final round will see the Roosters host the Dragons at the same venue, while the Rabbitohs travel south to Melbourne to farewell their 2008 season.